A new study proposes the intriguing idea: alien life may not need a planet to survive. Published in the journal Astrobiology, the research challenges conventional thinking, suggesting that certain organisms might thrive in the depths of space, fundamentally reshaping how we approach the search for extraterrestrial life. Traditionally, scientists focus on planets in the search for life, with Earth as the only example we know of. Earth’s gravity, thick atmosphere, and abundant chemical elements—like carbon and oxygen—create ideal conditions for life. Sunlight provides a continuous energy source, making planets, in theory, the natural candidates for sustaining life. However, the authors of this study argue that life could exist in an entirely different environment—free-floating in space. While it may seem far-fetched, this concept has precedent: astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) survive in space, albeit with substantial resource support from Earth. Simpler life forms, they suggest, might manage on their own. In fact, the microscopic tardigrade has demonstrated survival in the vacuum of space, hinting at the possibility of life beyond planetary surfaces. A community of free-floating organisms in space would need to overcome unique challenges. First, it would require a way to maintain internal pressure against the vacuum of space, likely by forming a protective membrane or shell—a feat many organisms on Earth already achieve. Second, sustaining liquid water would be essential. Earth’s atmosphere naturally provides insulation for this, but a space-based colony would need to generate a greenhouse effect without an atmosphere. Some Earth organisms can regulate internal temperatures to mimic this effect, suggesting that a similar adaptation could work for a floating space colony. Furthermore, a space colony would need to address the loss of light elements that planets typically retain via gravity. To sustain itself, such a colony would likely begin with a store of essential elements like carbon and oxygen, then rely on a closed-loop recycling system to conserve resources. Scientists say a space biocolony would also need to be in the habitable zone of its star to get as much light as possible. Such a biocolony could span up to 100 meters and be housed within a thin, transparent shell. This shell would stabilize internal water and temperature, maintain necessary pressure, and facilitate a greenhouse-like effect to sustain life. While we don’t yet know if such life forms exist, this research opens up exciting possibilities for the future of space exploration. Beyond current metal habitats supplied by Earth’s resources, future space stations or colonies might incorporate bioengineered materials, creating self-sustaining ecosystems that more closely resemble living organisms. The post Alien Life May Not Need a Planet To Survive appeared first on Anomalien.com.